In a strong rebuke to the Maharashtra government, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted bail to a 19-year-old engineering student from Pune, arrested earlier this month over a social media post concerning Indo-Pak hostilities during Operation Sindoor. The court slammed the state for “ruining her life” and “turning her into a hardcore criminal” for what it called an impulsive act of poor judgment.
The student, originally from Jammu and Kashmir and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (IT) at Sinhgad Academy of Engineering in Pune, was arrested by the Kondhwa police on May 9 after she shared an Instagram post from the page ‘Reformistan’ critical of the Indian government. Though the post was deleted within two hours following threats, an FIR was registered and she was remanded to judicial custody in Yerwada Central Jail.
Following her arrest, her college also rusticated her, citing “anti-national sentiments” and claiming she posed a risk to the campus and society. The girl missed two semester exams due to her incarceration.
Appearing before the High Court through advocate Farhana Shah, the student challenged the rustication and sought bail and quashing of the FIR. The High Court expressed shock over the state’s response, calling the action “radical” and “absolutely shocking”. The bench questioned the state’s decision to criminalize the student instead of allowing a path for reform.
“The girl posted something and realised her mistake. She deleted the post, expressed remorse, and apologised. Instead of giving her a chance to reform, the state has arrested her and turned her into a criminal,” the court remarked.
The bench also questioned the educational institution for its hasty action, stating that the college should have supported the student in correcting her course rather than excluding her from the academic process.
The court suspended the rustication order and directed the college to issue her hall ticket, provide a separate classroom for her if needed, and ensure security on campus. Police were also instructed to provide protection due to threats received by the student.
The student was released from Yerwada Jail at around 9:30 PM on Tuesday. Her family was present to receive her, her lawyer confirmed. She is expected to complete examination formalities and resume appearing for her papers from Thursday, May 29.
While the court declined to intervene in allowing her to reappear for the two missed papers—since the exams are conducted by an external university—it permitted her to file a representation before the university seeking special permission.
The court, in concluding remarks, cautioned the student to be more responsible while exercising her freedom of expression and refraining from such actions in the future.
